The Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival may be one of the marquee musical events of the summer, but not everyone thinks it’s perfect.
Overcrowded shows and simultaneous performances that drowned each other out left a bad taste in Ada Barnes’ mouth when she attended, and four years ago, she set out to create a festival that got it right.
The result was RootsFest, a three-day music and arts festival that today is opening the gates for the fourth time at Cherokee Farms in LaFayette, Ga.
Inclement weather stalled things somewhat last year, but the festival has gained momentum every year, and this year, the level of interest from the community has been overwhelming, Barnes said.
“The response blew me away,” she said. “So many bands have contacted me that I’ve unfortunately turned away some people I would like to see there, but there’s only so much time to play with.
“From the energy that’s going around, everyone seems to be really excited about it.”
Barnes said the response has been so good, in fact, that the festival is offering preorders on tickets, something it hasn’t done since its debut.
RootsFest is a celebration of local and regional talent. The lineup this year includes artists well-seasoned on the Scenic City scene, including The Owls, The Molly Maguires, River City Hustlers and Up With the Joneses.
In addition to the scheduled performances, attendees are encouraged to bring drums and acoustic instruments for nightly fireside jamss.
Barnes said she is hesitant to estimate this year’s turnout, but if everyone is able to hear the music, see the performers and not leave frustrated, the event will be a success.
“When I decided to throw a festival, those are the things I wanted to avoid,” she said. “As long as everyone comes out and has a good time, that’s all I want.”
IF YOU GO
* What: RootsFest music and arts festival.
* When: 7 p.m. today-7 p.m. Sunday.
* Where: Cherokee Farms, 2035 Old Mineral Springs Road, LaFayette, Ga.
* Admission: $25/$40/$50 for one-, two- or three-day tickets. Online presells are $5 off. Free camping facilities with ticket purchase.
* Phone: 645-9699.
* Website: www.roots-fest.com.
* Related links at fyi.timesfreepress.com.
SCHEDULE
Today
7 p.m. Multi Pi
7:30 p.m. Cadillac Saints
8:15 p.m. Digital Butter
9 p.m. Marujah
10 p.m. Cannonbus
Saturday
Noon. Jon Wimpee
12:45 p.m. Degoba Militia
1:30 p.m. Zan Teddy
2:15 p.m. Amberetta
2:45 p.m. Ron Day
3:45 p.m. The Homegrown Band
4:45 p.m. River City Hustlers
5:45 p.m. Dandasha
6:15 p.m. The Nim Nims
7:15 p.m. Up With the Joneses
8:30 p.m. Milele Roots
10 p.m. Sky Hi
Sunday
Noon. As It Is
12:30 p.m. Tony Mraz
1:15 p.m. Elonzo
2 p.m. The Owls
2:45 p.m. The Maycomb Criers
3:45 p.m. No Cadence
4:45 p.m. Zansibar
5 p.m. The Deep Machine
6 p.m. The Molly Maguires